House sends Tomblin his education reform bill

March 22, 2013

CHARLESTON (AP) - West Virginia will soon change how county school districts hire educators and set annual calendars.

Those moves are among several in legislation passed 95-2 Friday by the House of Delegates.

The vote sends Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin his agenda's biggest item. The Senate unanimously approved the bill Monday. It also amended the measure to address concerns raised by teacher and school worker groups.

Tomblin and lawmakers have focused on public schools after an audit contrasted hefty taxpayer spending with poor student achievement. The governor is planning executive orders and has enlisted the state school board to seek additional education changes.

But before Friday's vote, several House Republicans argued the bill falls short and could have done more.

Friday's bill is just the second to clear the entire Legislature this session.